McCamey cites lack of urgency entering UIC stunner

Ever since Illinois defeated North Carolina and Gonzaga, a sense of complacency had taken over the Illini. The competitiveness that was a hallmark of their early practices was gone. Also missing were the consistency and execution on both ends that helped Illinois get those resume-building victories.

The Illini skirted by Oakland and Northern Colorado before the house of cards crumbled Saturday in a stunning 57-54 defeat to Illinois-Chicago at the United Center.

"I have been alarmed by last week, after the Gonzaga game, how we played and our approach to practice," Weber said. "It caught up with us."

Defense wasn't a problem Saturday. The Illini held UIC without a field goal for more than 10 minutes in the second half and forced 21 turnovers, but their inability to attack UIC's zone defense or shoot the Flames out of the zone resulted in the loss.

Weber set a goal for the 12th-ranked Illini (10-2) to be ranked in the top 10 before Big Ten play started. But with a tough game against Missouri coming up Wednesday and Brandon Paul's status uncertain because of a sprained ankle — he didn't practice Sunday — Illinois might be unranked when it faces Iowa on Dec. 29.

"We just lost our sense of urgency as far as how practice was," senior guard Demetri McCamey said. "Guys were earning minutes, pushing each other and going at it. Now it's a little bit soft and relaxed."

Unexpected losses to Utah and Bradley last season sent the Illini into crisis mode early, and the needle is moving that way again after Saturday.

"This is the defining moment of the season right here," McCamey said.

Struggling seniors: Especially frustrating for Illinois fans was the performance of senior big men Mike Davis and Mike Tisdale, who combined for seven points.

Foul trouble again limited Tisdale's minutes, and Davis, who takes pride in getting double-doubles, had just one rebound and missed an open dunk. Weber and fans had hoped this type of game was behind both players.

"It's just disappointing," Weber said. "We need them to make baskets and play strong. It's something we've talked about and worked on."

Layups: Like the rest of his teammates, freshman Jereme Richmond struggled from the field, shooting 1-for-7, but he had a career-high 12 rebounds. … Freshman Meyers Leonard returned from a shoulder injury and had four points and one rebound.